Computational Biologist - Marasco Lab

Overview

The Marasco lab is seeking a highly motivated individual interested in the hands-on application of computational biology toolkits for the development of anti-aging and cancer therapeutics. This individual will be an integral member of our research team and will work with senior lab members to provide computational support for projects focused on developing novel cellular and biologic therapies. They will analyze data from experiments such as scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics to evaluate biological mechanisms and endpoints.

The ideal candidate will be someone who can provide computational support for wet-lab scientists conducting experiments. This role requires knowledge of fundamental biology concepts as well as strong computational research capabilities. The position requires familiarity with computational algorithms and pipelines for omics data analysis, along with foundational knowledge in genetics, cell biology, and cancer biology. This individual will participate in the development of antibodies and cellular therapies by analyzing experiments to characterize these therapeutics in both in vitro and in vivo contexts. They will be expected to work independently to develop new data analysis pipelines as needed for various projects. Additional responsibilities include performing literature searches and preparing methods and materials, results, figure legends, and figures for grant proposals, progress reports, and manuscripts.

Applicants with 1+ years of research experience, a strong background in computational data analysis, and knowledge of molecular and cellular biology are preferred.

The Computational Biologist I is responsible for routine data analysis or processing of biological data, with a focus on high-throughput technologies and genomic databases. The Computational Biologist is a quantitative scientist who collaborates with scientific investigators and with other research staff in the analysis of high-throughput data, and dissemination of scientific results. The Computational Biologist may work on many types of projects and areas of research including cancer genomics, functional genomics, immuno-oncology, molecular imaging, data management and integration, and querying biological databases.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Data Processing: Uses existing tools to build data processing pipelines to convert raw data into formats compatible with conventional statistical analysis and visualization
• Data Analysis: Performs routine analysis for which established tools exist and are considered reliable. Keep up with the computational biology literature to assure pipelines components are up to date
• Data and Software Management: Monitors, downloads, organize, and manages data from public data repositories or generated by collaborates. Evaluate published tools and updates pipeline as necessary.
• Manuscript Preparation: Drafts the computational biology sections of a manuscript; assists in writing the results section; checks manuscripts for numerical accuracy; prepares tables and figures
• Grant Preparation: Helps to formulate specific aims, explains options for experimental design, and develops data analysis plans
• Research Portfolio Management: Develops timelines and components for multiple routine projects; masters multi-tasking so that complex projects involving many interdisciplinary individuals move forward smoothly
• Team interactions: Offers peer-to-peer training for new statisticians in design, analysis, and presentation of results. It is expected that insight into career growth will be offered to more junior statisticians

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Computational Skills: Knowledge of UNIX/Linux. Familiarity with scripting in Python and statistical programming using R
• Data analysis Skills: Familiarity with principles of experimental design and the modern data analysis paradigms is required
• Collaboration: Able to discuss and present results, share ideas accurately and communicate them effectively, both in writing and verbally
• Strong interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and external contacts
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

The position requires a bachelor's degree in a STEM field, with a master's degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, statistics, biostatistics, computer science, or life sciences preferred. Candidates need at least 1 year of experience with a bachelor's degree or no experience with a master's degree, with academic research or authorship in scientific publications potentially substituting for work experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

PATIENT CONTACT: None

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$75,000.00 - $91,500.00